The address position, also called the stance, is the positioning of the club behind the ball, followed by the positioning of the body square to the club face.

 

(1) Place the clubhead behind the golf ball in this way:

  • The clubhead, not the ball, is in the center of your feet.
  • The butt end of the shaft (grip end) points to the center of the body.

 

(2) Position your body in this way:

  • The shoulders are on the same plane as the target line, i.e., parallel to the target line.
  • The club shaft bisects the "V" formed by the arms.
  • The body faces the clubface squarely.
  • The weight is equally divided between the feet.
  • Feeling comfortable & natural, good balance
  • Knees: 

Soften the knees slightly. Avoid excessively bending the knees

  • Arms: Let your arms hang down from your shoulders. Avoid tension, which can hinder your swing.

 

3) Exercise to find a good balance:

  • Take a stance with a club in address position.
  • Close your eyes and keep them closed during the exercise.
  • Straighten your body to be perfectly erect and hold the club out in front of you so that the club's shaft is in a horizontal position.
  • While in this erect position, move the club to the right or left.
  • Return the club to a horizontal level directly in front of you.
  • Now bend forward until the clubhead touches the ground again.
  • Open your eyes and check where the clubhead is in relation to your feet.

 

If the golf club head is in the center of your feet and the shaft's butt end points to the center of your body, you are indeed in perfect balance. If not found in the center, repeat the exercise several times, in front of a mirror.

 

4) Clubhead is not in the center of the stance

What will happen when the position of the clubhead is shifted to the right or left of center?

 

a) Clubhead placed to the left of center (right-hand players)

  • The club is swung back to the outside of the target line
  • Shoulder line points to the left (crossing the target line)
  • The direction of the forward swing is across the target line to the left.
  • The ball tends to start toward the left.

 

b) Clubhead placed to the right of center (right-hand players)

  • The club is swung back too far inside.
  • Shoulder line points to the right.
  • The direction of the forward swing is across the target line to the right.
  • The ball tends to start toward the right.

 

5) How wide should your stance be?

This depends on your individual body and circumstances when executing a certain shot

  • Player with long legs and a short trunk: Take a wider stance than a player with a long trunk and short legs
  • Stout player: Narrower stance
  • Slender player: Wider stance
  • Shot with a higher swing speed: Wider stance
  • Short delicate shot: Narrow stance

 

What is the maximum width of stance?

Your stance is too wide if you find it difficult to have your body respond in the backswing. Also too wide if it is difficult to shift your weight to your front foot after impact.

 

6) Types of Stances

There are 3 types of stances

Square: The line from toe to toe is parallel to the target line. Both feet are parallel to the target line. This is the standard for most shots, as it keeps your entire body in line with the target.

 

Open: The lead foot (left for a right-handed golfer) is pulled back slightly, which opens your hips and shoulders to the target. This can help create a "fade" ball flight.

 

Closed: The lead foot is moved slightly forward, closing your body off to the target line. This can help create a "draw" ball flight.

 

7) Weight Distribution and Posture

 

  • Equal weight distribution on your feet is ideal for a good balance. This is 50% of your weight on each foot.

 

  • More weight on the front foot: 
  • You will pick up the club too vertically. 
  • It is difficult to swing the club backward and forward. 
  • The shots will be very low with a tendency to slice

 

  • More weight on the back foot: 
  • It is difficult to transfer your weight to the front foot in the forward swing. 
  • The club is swung upward, resulting in topped shots. 
  • You hit the ground behind the ball.

 

 

 

About the Company:

Monark Golf has been serving the golfing community since 1998, offering premium golf club components and custom clubmaking services. Specializing in shafts, club heads, grips, and fully custom-built clubs, Monark Golf supports both professional clubmakers and dedicated golfers with high-quality products and trusted brands.